One Night with Her Mountain Orc

Toothsome Monster Romance #1

by Jilli Waters

One former bad-boy orc working on a fresh start.
One distressed woman yearning to belong.
One night together.

I’m stranded on the side of an icy mountain with a busted ankle. Alone. And night is coming.
This is what I get for trying to prove that I’m independent.

My heart twists in relief when I hear the voices of Search and Rescue.
Other parts of me clench when I see my rescuer—tall, muscular, green, and tusked.

How do I explain to myself and my family that after one night, I’m in love with the bad boy orc?

One Night with Her Mountain Orc steamy, cozy, forced proximity, small-town romance with an orc who thinks he's no good for her.
It is the first in the Toothsome Monster Romance series of stand-alone, sweet & spicy, cozy monster romance novellas. Guaranteed to have an HEA, intended for mature audiences.

Genres: Monster Romance, Monsters, Romance, Ebooks

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2025

About the author

I write swoony, sweet & spicy small-town romances full of sassy heroines and the hunks that fall for them.

Find my newsletter at: http://www.jilliwaters.com
Free novella at: https://BookHip.com/HPHQNVT

Reviews

[alyona · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5/5

[Makayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Stars

One Night with Her Mountain Orc by Jilli Waters

This novella is a cozy, spicy, and surprisingly sweet monster romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a steamy, forced-proximity encounter between a rugged orc and a stranded woman. The setup—stranded on a mountain with a busted ankle, rescued by a green-skinned, tusked orc—sets the stage for a night of unexpected connection.

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and the story offers a satisfying blend of warmth and tension. However, at just over 100 pages, the brevity leaves little room for deep character development or a complex plot. Some readers may find the characters’ motivations and backgrounds underdeveloped, which can affect emotional engagement.

The writing is engaging, and the world-building hints at a larger universe that could be explored in future installments. Fans of cozy monster romances will likely enjoy this quick, spicy read, though those seeking more depth may find it lacking.

In summary, “One Night with Her Mountain Orc” is a fun, lighthearted introduction to the Toothsome Monster Romance series, offering a mix of heat and heart in a compact package.

[Niki N Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really cute little book it had a little bit of a plot you learned a little bit about the characters there were some steam in it normally I would like a little bit more plot and a little bit deeper more detailed steam but because it is a short book I was able to give it a five realizing that I wasn't going to get that deep into it and honestly I used it as a cleanser in between books because I needed something slightly different and I needed a book I could choose instead of something I was kind of being pushed to read but I needed to be quick because I had a time frame I had to work with because of that I would say this makes a great cute steamy palette cleanser but don't expect there to be in depth plot or page upon page of extreme smut because you're not going to get it with this one doesn't make it a bad book it's just the reality of the book and the shortness of it. if your looking for a brainless cute slightly steamy short read this is one to try.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable short story.

I thought this was absolutely wonderful. It’s the story of two people who’ve been wandering alone in the world and finally returned to the one place that ever felt like home. When they meet, they’re both at loose ends, but everything just clicks into place and instead of fighting it, they decide to give the emotions growing between them a chance. He is a big growly orc hung up on enthusiastic consent. That’s perfect for her, because she needs to give voice to the things that she wants in her life. Happily, what she wants is him. I especially enjoyed the size difference and the care with which he prepared her. It was both sweet and sexy. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Verity S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Good:
“Mountain Goat” as a precious nickname. I love it.
Bjorn’s level-headedness is good, especially since August does not think rationally for the entirety of the book.
I found the book more funny than steamy.

The Bad:
I didn’t feel like there was much chemistry between the MCs.
The story was rushed and each scene was barely developed before we haltingly moved to another scene.
It isn’t just one night! That is irritating (unless, of course, the author means that one night with her mountain orc changed everything? That could possibly be the reason for the title.)
So many typos.

Tropes:
Insta-love, monster romance, he falls first

[Saga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awful. DNF.

DNF - Did Not Finish.
I had to stop at the end of chapter 2.
In one line the mmc is stroking the fmc's cheek to remove tears, the next line is something like "can't stand in the middle of the snowstorm kissing".
Uhm, what kiss?
The 2 chapters I did manage to finish felt oddly stilted, and like there were words missing.
Characters reacting weirdly to things that didn't make sense, ie fmc talking herself about not crushing on some orc when all she's done that chapter is avoid him.

Wish I could give it minus 3 stars

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh - the synopsis sounded promising but the actual book is way too short to deliver on that promise. I didn't really get why August had to go hike a mountain by herself to prove to her cousin's douchebag boyfriend that she was strong and independent? Like, why do you care about this jerkoff's opinion? And how is climbing a mountain going to do anything to change it?

We keep hearing that Bjorn is a "bad boy", but there's never any mention of why he thinks of himself that way, and in the book we only ever see him being the hero, so it was hard to believe that label without any evidence.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, tender, kind, hunky orc who recites poetry, and is an awesome lover.
A girl who has had a rough spell, and a big loss.
Bjorn and August meet when August is at her lowest. Time and time again Bjorn proves himself.
This wonderful book with a great storyline is a standalone with no cliffhanger. It has some incredibly steamy scenes that fit perfectly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Millie Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book does have some plot, it’s a short one, and more bears on the side of just steamy. The author also seems to. Forget on multiple occasion's what she had written before. In the first chapter, she repeats the backstory twice, and in the end, the character seems to have forgotten she had already said “I love you” just the chapter before.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new author and found on a search for Arcs. :D And it fitted the holiday season with the mountain snow themed story.
August ends up stranded and with an injured ankle. Her rescuer is Bjorn, an Orc. Initially unsure how she feels about him, they work through their time together. It was a lovely quick read and look forward to reading more of Jilli's ebooks. :D
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor August is having so much trouble; to top things off, she has injured her ankle. Search and rescue come, and her rescuer is Bjorn, an Orc. August is determined to be independent and not need anyone, but that is so hard with the yummy green Orc, who is willing to be everything she needs. I love the plot of this book. Bjorn and August complement each other perfectly. This is a fantastic, spicy romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this is how it all started

I have become a fan of Jilli Waters books, a little sexy, a little funny and a real story to keep you entertained. I wanted to go back to the first book in this series to see how it all started. I was disappointed.

If you like Monster Romance, Forced Proximity, a little bit of fun all wrapped up in a quick read, you may just enjoy this series. Happy reading!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a homeless injured woman find happiness with a screw up Orc? August is hiking when she injures her ankle. Bjorn is starting his new job as a mountain rescuer. There is an instant attraction between the two of them. Steamy monster romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia Milam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was cute. For a short story you get a little plot, a dash of spice and an adorable couple in August and Bjorn. Both are strong willed and trying to start new lives (you get very little back story). I wanted some more about the witchy cafe & bakery owner, but maybe there’s more in future books.

[Christal · Rating 4 out of 5]

August ends up with an injury to her ankle as she was hiking down a mountain, trying to get away from her cousin May and May's boyfriend. She is rescued by an orc named Bjorn and his boss but Bjorn is the one who carries her down the mountain. This is the start of a lovely romance which ends happily.

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

August and Bjorn are adorable together and so much fun to see their individual characters develop. I love the supporting characters in this small town. Can't wait for more Toothsome stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Plainfilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being a really cute and interesting orc human romance. Steamy but also had a decent underlying plot. Really looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read

Sweet & spicy quick little romance. Was fast paced but didn’t feel rushed. Instant attraction, bit of family drama and a hea. Interested in the other brothers and what has been "seen" for them.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet romance with a romantic Orc and the girl he saves. There are many lovely moments that make your heart go pitter-patter. This is an ultimate feel-good winter story.

[Kelsey Hohneke · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[EFIWCS · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun!

[Cally Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

Meet up between August and Bjorne, both B of whom need a fresh start who would expect they could do it together?

[Mette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute monster romance book. Living in a small town can be rough and filled with rumors about how you and your lovely Orc meet each other. Not my favorite monster romance but it was a cute quick read

[Natalie Dunn-Billings · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

[Nicole Martinez · Rating 2 out of 5]

His nickname for her is "Little goat"...

[Victoria Moxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hallmark-ish

This is like Hallmark but spicy and with monsters. I love it. I can't wait to come back to this town for more!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

A foolish human and an orc who is known to be trouble, both trying to find their way and where they belong.

[Odalys Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Meeting

Who knew that getting lost in the mountains over a dare would have a woman meeting the orc of her dreams as her rescuer?

[Meesh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love when a novella is under 100 pages.

quick, fun, steamy and light.

[Jenny From The Bog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute

Fast, insta-love story, but sweet, sexy, funny and enjoyable. Kind of a nice palette cleanser between longer or more serious reads.